Filled with fishing vessels, encircled with homes and businesses, the Makah Marina is the central point in town, as fishing, whaling and canoeing are essential activities in this community.

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Neah Bay is located at the farthest northwestern coastal edge of the state of Washington. Maybe you didn't think about Washington having a north coast? It might be the wildest, most remote location on the map, sitting on the edge where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean, capturing exceedingly wet weather. It's truly a spectacular place.

Dense tree stands cover the land, while sea stacks stand guard amidst the churning waves. Sea birds skim along while orcas and porpoises play in the ocean waters. On a clear day, the view across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north reveals Vancouver Island, Canada.

This remote village of Neah Bay is considered to be "the beginning of the world," according to "the Cape People," the Makah. The Makah Indians have occupied these parts for longer than anyone can remember. The entire tip of the cape has become a dedicated and much loved reservation.

Makah Days is a time, usually in August, to gather together to celebrate and reunite with returning loved ones to remember the ancient and traditional ways of the Makah people, and to commemorate the anniversary of becoming citizens of the United States. All are welcome, and neighboring tribes from Washington State and Canada join in the festivities. For details follow the link above.

You'll see the the Makah Museum on the left just before you roll into Neah Bay proper. It is a must-see, a world-class museum depicting life in a long house, and other aspects of Makah life in the past, such as hunting, fishing, plying the waters of the Pacific in long canoes. A revolving exhibit includes photos, carvings, clothing and baskets. So many things to see!

The Makah Museum is also home to ancient artifacts dating back 500 years, recovered from an archeological site of a Makah village in Ozette, WA. The ethnobotanical garden has been developed containing many native plants and outdoor exhibits.

Of course, they also offer a wonderful gift shop. The facility is open daily 10 - 5; closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas and possibly during inclement weather.

Entrance Fee: Adults $5.00; Senior Citizens (62 and older), Students and Military $4.00; children 5 and under are free.

Getting there is half the fun. Boardwalks will take you over stretches of the Cape Flattery Trail that are perennially waterlogged, while other parts of the trail offer either gravel, roots, or round log stepping "stones" to help you avoid the worst of the mud. You even get some hand-rails!

At the far end, you will have arrived at the westernmost point of the lower 48 states. From an elevated platform, you are rewarded with a panoramic view to the west and northwest, taking in the Pacific Ocean and Tatoosh Island.

Additionally, sea lions, seals and even whales can be seen from various railed platforms at the edges of the towering cliffs across which you have just hiked. Dramatic sea-stacks are alive with sea birds and sea gulls clinging to cliff edges. Wild waves below have crashed against these cliffs for millennia, undercutting and eroding their bases creating rocky caves and coves below. Stand still and wait for a moment or two - you'll feel the power of the waves under your feet.

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time pulling myself away from this awe-inspiring place. You'll know it when you see it.

Tatoosh Island Lighthouse

Tatoosh Island Lighthouse was first constructed in 1857 by the US Coast Guard, who purchased the island from the Makah Nation. Named for a Chief of the Makah Nation, Tatooche, the island was used as a summer base for hunting whales and salmon fishing. The lighthouse is now automated and the Island was returned to the Makah Nation, who now maintain the grounds that once, and still is, considered to be highly sacred.

Neah Bay Restaurants

Several restaurants in Neah Bay Washington offer a variety of food options: Steaks and
seafood, Indian tacos, ice cream, sandwiches, pizza, coffees and other hot
drinks. There's also a variety store and grocery store if you're staying in a
cabin and need to do some shopping.

Hobuck Beach Resort is located just south of Neah Bay along Hobuck Beach, with easy beach access and spectacular views. You'll find tent camping, full hook-up RV sites and a variety of fully supplied cabins, plus free showers, picnic tables and wireless internet. Go hiking, beach combing, bird, whale and wildlife watching. Go surfing or cycling, or simply chill at the sight of a stellar sunset. You might even get to do some storm watching.

The resort is close enough to town for shopping, restaurants and visiting.

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